The visit was not a surprise one, but rather the initiative of DAFWA Narrogin development officers Claire Coffey and Pat Page, who were keen to give Government officers a better understanding of on-farm procedures, particularly relating to feedlots.

DEC Wheatbelt regional manager Wayne Elliott and DEC Avon Mortlock district manager Alan Kietzmann joined Ms Coffey and Mr Page at Vern, Jane and Elliott Mouritz's Hydillowah Feedlot, Hyden, for a tour of the facility.

According to Ms Mouritz, who is also on the WA Lot Feeders Association (WALFA) executive, the purpose of the visit was to increase the understanding of current WA feedlot practices, feedlot set-up, consideration of environmental aspects, feedlot design and what is acceptable practice in terms of drainage, pen cleaning, dust and odour management, etc.

"Their receptiveness to hearing what works from our perspective, particularly in regard to pen surfaces and drainage, was really encouraging," Ms Mouritz said.

"WALFA, DEC, WA Local Government Association (WALGA) and DAFWA delegates liaised with the Australian Lot Feeders' Association (ALFA) policy and project analyst Peter Loneragan and Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) feedlot manager Des Rinehart, to clarify the environmental guidelines and codes of practice that will best suit and practically applicable in WA."

* Read full story in this week's Farm Weekly.